Tech Desk 
Aug 12, 2025
Epic Games is returning Fortnite to iPhones in Australia following a major antitrust ruling against Apple and Google. The federal court found that both tech companies had used their monopoly power in app marketplaces to suppress competition.
Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney posted on X that Fortnite will return, via the Epic Games Store, "at a date to be determined," as the company navigates the legal process.
Epic sued Google in Australia in March 2021 and Apple in November 2020, and both cases were heard together. On Tuesday, Justice Jonathan Beach ruled that Apple and Google misused their market control and up to 30% commission on app sales to limit competition.
Still, he dismissed Epic's claims that the companies violated consumer law and acted in a way that was grossly unfair.
Both Apple and Google applauded the dismissal of some claims made by Epic but disagreed with parts of the ruling. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson said the company would review the ruling and consider its options.
An Apple spokesperson said the company faces "fierce competition" in every market it operates in and continues to provide a safe App Store experience for users and a vibrant opportunity for developers.
Fortnite was removed from the iOS App Store in 2020 after Epic bypassed Apple’s payment system. The game has since returned in some regions—including the EU last year—via the Epic Games Store.
In the US, Epic has won its case against Google, with courts ruling that Google created an illegal monopoly through its Play Store and billing system.
